The Big Sleep returns to Leeds Rhinos’ Emerald Stadium to raise money for charity
Three Leeds-based charities will be raising money by inviting adults to sleep out in the cold on Thursday 25 November at the Emerald Headingley Stadium.
St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds Rhinos Foundation and St George's Crypt are joining together to raise money for those most in need across Leeds at the Big Sleep.
The Big Sleep 2021 is all about coming together for charity and spending the night under the stars.
On Thursday 25 November, Headingley is the chosen location and the LS6 postcode will become a giant sleepover location for those participating in the outdoor sleepover.
This year, the event will be held at the Emerald Headingley Stadium, where groups over 18 are invited to bring their sleeping bags and brave it out in the cold for one night, all in the name of charity.
Donations from the evening will be split evenly between the charities in their fifth annual Big Sleep.
In 2018, St Gemma's Hospice Chief Executive Kerry Jackson took part in the Big Sleep. / Image: St Gemma's Hospice
St George's Crypt is a Leeds-based charity dedicated to offering care, compassion and hope to the homeless, vulnerable and those suffering from substance dependance. The organisation operates every day of the year to help those most in need across the city.
Leeds Rhino Foundation, hosting the event at their home turf of Emerald Headingley Stadium, are dedicated to changing lives through sports. Their five key principles of education, health, sport, art and heritage aid the development of healthier and more meaningful lives through collaborative work across Leeds city centre and surrounding areas.
St Gemma's Hospice is Yorkshire's largest hospice organisation and provide expert care and support to local people with life-limiting and terminal illnesses. Their care is always free of charge and provides care to anyone, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, sexual orientation or diagnosis.
These three charities will all greatly benefit from the donations made to the Big Sleep on Thursday 25 November.
The event so far has 32 supporters and £623 has been raised from the charities on a JustGiving page, but more donations are expected to come in closer to the event.
To get involved, visit any of the charities' websites for more information or if you can't make it down but would still like to donate, their JustGiving page is taking donations until the end of the year.
Senior councillors will next week be asked to approve a five-year strategy designed to guide Leeds Kirkgate Market successfully.
The council’s previous strategy for the historic market covered the period 2021 to 2026 and helped deliver impressive results, including increased footfall, a diverse and vibrant range of new businesses and a multi-million pound refurbishment of the site’s historic ‘blockshops' area.
Plans have now been revealed that aim to maintain the beloved site and keep it on its currant upwards trajectory between 2026 and 2031.
The plan sets out a vision for the market’s continued success as an inclusive, attractive and sustainable place where independent retailers can thrive.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Key points to achieve this include:
The construction – subject to planning approval – of STACK Leeds, a ‘container-style’ food, drink and entertainment attraction proposed for part of the market’s outdoor trading area;
The development, subject to final approval once full costings have been secured and assessed, of a hotel and council-run public gym on the George Street side of the market;
The continuation and enhancement of the market’s free events programme for children and families, which has become an important driver of footfall – particularly during school holidays – and underlines its proud reputation as a place that caters for the Leeds community as a whole;
Committing appropriate funds to the upkeep and maintenance of the Grade I listed market building;
Widening the digital ‘reach’ of the market by further growing its already-strong following across various social media platforms while also helping traders raise their own online profiles.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader, said: “Leeds Kirkgate Market is a hugely important part of local life and it’s a real source of pride that we, as a council, have been able to support it so strongly over the last five years through a mix of investment and innovative thinking.
“Recovery from the effects of the pandemic has not been easy, but today the market is in good shape and ready to face the future with confidence. We know, though, that we cannot afford to rest on our laurels and this new five-year strategy contains much to be excited about.
“My thanks to everyone at the market who took part in the consultation activity, it has played a vital role in the development of the strategy. Your support – and indeed the hard work and dedication that we see from traders and staff week in, week out – will help us ensure that Leeds Kirkgate Market continues to go from strength to strength.”
A huge bowling alley and games bar is coming to Trinity Leeds
Daisy Jackson
Lane7, a bowling and gaming bar, is opening a massive new venue in the heart of Leeds city centre.
The independent bowling brand is set to open at Trinity Leeds in late spring, spanning a whopping 23,000 sq ft.
As well as 12 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, Lane7 will be home to other games including darts, pool tables, beer pong, golf simulators, and even an interactive 'Playground'.
There'll also be retro arcade games to make it a vibrant destination for your next night out.
Signs have already gone up at Trinity Leeds on Albion Street, ahead of Lane7's arrival into the city centre.
It's set to take over the huge site that was formerly home to Wilko.
Gavin Hughes, managing director at Lane7, said: "It's no secret that we've been itching to bring Lane7 to Leeds for some time, and we're thrilled to have found a venue in Trinity Leeds that we know our guests will love.
"Everyone knows Leeds is one of the UK's great nights out, and Lane7 is a venue where you can have all your best nights in one. It's the perfect match. We can't wait to get the doors open."
Lane7 is opening at Trinity Leeds. Credit: SuppliedLane7 is opening at Trinity Leeds. Credit: Supplied
Steven Foster, centre director at Trinity Leeds, said: "The arrival of Lane7 this spring marks a fantastic addition to Trinity Leeds and represents exactly the kind of dynamic, experience-led brand we are proud to offer our visitors.
"Its unique entertainment concept brings an exciting new dimension to our leisure offering, enhancing the experiences available at the centre.
"This announcement follows a wave of big names set to open at Trinity Leeds, including Footasylum, schuh and Freight Island, alongside LEGO’s upsized store, highlighting our continued success in evolving and strengthening the centre’s overall offering.
"Welcoming Lane7’s to Leeds reinforces our position as a leading destination for innovative, social and experiential brands, and we’re confident it will be a huge hit with our visitors."
Sophie Smith -
15th October 2021 
